The Oakley Podcast

This week on the Oakley Podcast, 101-year-old veteran Floyd L. Brantley shares stories from his childhood in Texas, his World War II service as a Navy corpsman, his later military career, and 67 years of marriage. He reflects on family, faith, purpose, and the people he’s met, and recounts memorable experiences including riding in a New York City parade at age 90. Brantley’s message for listeners: keep learning, find purpose in what you do, trust your values, and encourage others. He also shares stories from the early trucking industry and the challenges of transporting chicken coops.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Special Episode (0:51)Driving at 101 and the Longevity Gene (5:38)Floyd’s Daily Routine and Staying Active (11:12)Childhood, Family Hardship, and Early Jobs (13:13)Leaving School to Serve in World War II (20:02)Meeting Elizabeth and Their 67-Year Marriage (26:58)Building a Family and Adopting a Daughter (32:54)Patriotism and the Meaning of Military Service (38:00)Losing His Brother in Battle (44:08)Singing “Amazing Grace” With a Patient (47:36)Riding in a New York City Parade at 90 (53:07)Going Viral for Sharing World War II Stories (1:00:34)Meeting Craig Morgan and Singing “Amazing Grace” (1:11:24)Advice on Purpose, Faith, and Encouraging Others (1:17:30)Early Trucking Stories and Chicken Coop Transport (1:22:25)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, owner-operator Mike Roberts joins Jeremy Kellett to share how he found his way into trucking, built a career at Oakley, and earned one million safe miles. He reflects on the challenges of truck ownership and offers practical advice: budget for maintenance and downtime, find dependable mechanics, lean on family support, and stay patient and alert on the road. Mike also discusses the freedom of trucking, the value of professionalism, and the importance of strong communication with dispatchers and customers.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Show and New Sponsor Announcement (0:37)Mike Roberts’ Background and Family (4:58)How Mike Got Started in Trucking (6:27)Leaving Food Service to Become an Owner-Operator (8:01)Lessons From Early Truck Breakdowns (10:06)Mentorship and Generational Changes in Trucking (11:50)Financial Advice for Owner-Operators (13:14)Earning One Million Safe Miles (16:53)Road Safety, Cameras, and Distracted Drivers (19:11)What Mike Is Most Proud of in His Career (24:17)Staying Patient When Delays Happen (25:44)Building Good Relationships With Dispatchers (28:11)Mike’s Hobbies, Family, and Future Plans (31:57)The Freedom and Rewards of Trucking (35:03)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with Motive’s Nicole Rich and Gary Johnson about how technology is shaping trucking safety, from in-cab cameras and alerts to driver coaching and data. They discuss earning drivers’ trust through clear communication, recognizing safe driving, reducing distractions such as cell phone use, and educating the public about the challenges truck drivers face. Their key takeaway: safety technology works best as a tool for learning and prevention, not just monitoring or punishment, and it must be accurate, practical, and used in partnership with drivers.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcome to the Oakley Podcast and Sponsor Introductions (0:44)Nicole Rich and Gary Johnson Introduce Themselves and Motive (4:01)Is Trucking Safer—or Are Drivers Just Being Monitored More? (10:34)Communicating the Purpose of Safety Technology to Drivers (15:52)Using Driving Data for Coaching and Recognizing Safe Drivers (18:55)Incentives and Positive Safety Culture (24:40)Educating the Public About Trucking Challenges (27:15)In-Cab Alerts and Other Tools That Support Drivers (30:09)Cell Phone Use and Distracted Driving Risks (35:07)Tailored Driver Training and the Impact of Nuclear Verdicts (43:58)Getting Driver Feedback on Safety Technology (47:26)How Technology and Automation May Evolve (54:36)In-Cab Cameras, Privacy, and False Alerts (56:49)Closing Thoughts for Truck Drivers and Listeners (1:04:51)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Paul and Tina Baker share how they entered trucking, the challenges they faced during their first years as owner-operators, and how joining Oakley helped them build stability and reach their goal of buying a new Peterbilt. They discuss managing money, maintaining a dependable truck, communicating with dispatch, adapting to life on the road, and supporting each other through tough times. Their key advice: plan for unexpected expenses, communicate early, and stay persistent through the steep learning curve of becoming an owner-operator.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcome, Dispatch Communication, and Weather Preparation (0:36)Paul and Tina’s Background and Family (3:50)Tina’s Family History in Trucking (6:37)Riding Together on the Road (8:26)The Challenges of Becoming Owner-Operators (10:02)Finding Oakley Through a Friend (13:27)A Reliable Truck and a New Peterbilt (14:32)Greater Stability and Plans for a Cruise (17:25)Money Management Advice for Owner-Operators (20:07)Switching From Hopper Bottom to End Dump (24:37)Highway Driving and Finding Parking (26:15)Favorite Truck Stops (28:17)Lessons From the First Year and What Drivers Provide (29:20)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (32:29)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Oakley owner-operator Lamont Dawson, who shares how his father inspired his trucking career. Lamont talks about his path from company driver to truck owner, and the lessons he’s learned through costly breakdowns and years on the road. He also discusses choosing the right company, budgeting for repairs, maintaining a truck, and staying safe when hauling end dumps. Jeremy and Lamont also reflect on the challenges of road life, faith, and the goal of traveling and spending time with family. Lamont’s key advice: plan ahead, save for unexpected expenses, work with a company that supports your goals, and never compromise on safety. Lamont also shares a personal story of being struck by lightning! You won’t want to miss it. Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcome to Today’s Episode and Company Party This Weekend (0:52)Lamont’s Background, Family, and Hobbies (4:48)How His Father Inspired His Trucking Career (6:17)From Nissan Plant to Swift Driver (7:53)Why He Became an Owner-Operator (8:38)Truck Breakdowns, Repairs, and Maintenance (10:11)Learning to Haul End Dumps Safely (15:57)Why He Switched to Pneumatics (18:13)Choosing the Right Company and Saving for Repairs (20:39)Moving the Fuel Tank to Return to Pneumatics (23:35)Pneumatic Work and Life on the Road (26:21)Managing a Second Truck and Supporting a Driver (31:12)Lamont’s Story of Being Struck by Lightning (34:50)Future Plans: Family, His Father, and Travel (37:00)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett, Anna Belle Burrow, and Corey Huey share what to expect at Oakley Trucking’s October 17 company party, including the America 250 theme, live music, dinner, hotel shuttles, and event schedule. They explain how the fifth annual owner-operator truck show and voting will work, outline the cash prizes and sponsor giveaways, and preview employee, driver, and safety awards. The key takeaway: arrive early to see the trucks and vote before the 7 p.m. deadline; the event is for Bruce Oakley employees, owner-operators, and their families.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Company Party Announcement for October 17 (0:48)Party Schedule and Pre-Event Truck Show Lunch (3:16)Early Arrival, Truck Viewing, and Voting Deadline (6:42)Truck Show Rules and Number of Entries (9:56)Truck Preparation and Ways to Win Votes (10:48)Truck Show Trophies and Cash Prizes (12:46)Sponsors and Giveaway Prizes (14:44)Rags-Down Time and America 250 Theme (18:40)Live Music and Entertainment (20:02)Dinner Menu and Open Bars (20:49)Hotel Booking and Shuttle Information (21:27)Employee, Driver, and Safety Awards (23:45)Security and Party Conduct (27:08)Golf Tournament and Community-Building (28:08)Parking, Venue, and Final Event Details (31:40)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Wade Thompson, longtime Oakley employee and shop foreman at the Reserve, Louisiana terminal, to spotlight the people and capabilities that keep this location running. Wade shares his journey from Arkansas to Reserve, how his family settled into the community, and what day-to-day operations look like across the shop and three wash bays, including specialized services like kosher washes and blower service. They discuss common trailer repairs, the importance of driver pre-trip inspections, the challenges of being short-staffed as more over-the-road trucks come through, and how the team handles demand and outside wash customers. Wade also recounts how a major hurricane affected the facility and the lengthy recovery process. Key takeaways for listeners include the depth of services available at the Reserve terminal, the critical role of maintenance and wash operations in supporting drivers, and Wade and his crew's dedication to keeping Oakley equipment and customer units safe, clean, and on the road.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Oakley Podcast Intro and Info on Company Party and Truck Show (0:42)Introducing Shop Foreman Wade Thompson and His Oakley Tenure (9:45)Community, Friends, and Small-Town Feel in Reserve (11:12)Overview of Reserve Terminal Capabilities and Limitations (13:24)What a Kosher Wash Is and How It’s Done (15:53)Trailer Care Tips and Importance of Pre-Trip Inspections (17:58)Travel Back to Arkansas and Company Party Plans (20:08)Labor Time and Cost of Bent Hinge Repairs (23:13)Services on Blowers, Wet Kit Issues, and Air Dryer Advice (26:17)Work Ethic, Early Starts, and Keeping Operations Moving (29:04)Lessons Learned on Parking Equipment During Storms (32:36)Jeremy’s Appreciation for Wade, Staff, and Trucking Community (34:33)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down at Oakley’s Reserve, Louisiana terminal with owner-operator Kenny Spears from Baton Rouge to talk about his journey in trucking, his family life with his wife Brittany and their six kids, and his path from company driver to owner-operator. Kenny shares how his late father inspired his love for trucking, how a surprise call from Oakley recruiter Harrison Harold led him to take a leap of faith into ownership in 2021, and the serious challenges he faced when his truck went down for three months and later caught fire due to alternator wiring issues. He explains how faith, family, friends, and a determined mechanic helped him push through those obstacles, and how a dedicated route now lets him be home every night. Throughout the conversation, Kenny emphasizes safety, discipline in maintaining his truck, the financial and personal rewards of being an owner-operator, and encourages company drivers not to wait for a “sign” but to step out and pursue ownership with persistence and trust in God.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Introduction, Driver Appreciation Week, and Upcoming Louisiana Episodes (0:42)Meet Kenny Spears, His Family, and Life With Six Kids (4:35)Becoming an Oakley Owner-Operator and Dedicated Oxbow Haul (7:18)Fears About Money, Responsibility, and Providing for a Family (11:08)Truck Down for Three Months, Financial Struggles, and Family Support (12:35)Truck Finally Running Strong and Support From Dispatch (17:39)Most Rewarding Parts of the Job, Pay, and Coworker Relationships (22:44)Public Perception of Truck Drivers and Respect for the Profession (24:41)Advice to Company Drivers Thinking About Becoming Owner Operators (26:29)Positivity, Not Giving Up, and Faith Through Hard Times and Parting Thoughts (29:10)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down at Oakley’s Reserve Terminal in Louisiana with dispatchers Dillon Falgoust and Matt Arceneaux to highlight the people and operations behind the scenes. They share how they started in the shop before moving into dispatch, what they learned about trucking, hours of service, and safety, and how much respect they’ve gained for professional drivers. The conversation dives into what makes an Owner Operator of the Year, including communication, reliability, clean equipment, and strong customer relationships, as well as how they review settlements and partner with drivers to hit income goals. They also discuss the tight-knit culture at the Reserve terminal, coordination with the North Little Rock office, the importance of safety in end-dump operations, and how Oakley’s high standards for appearance and professionalism set their owner-operators apart. Overall, the episode gives listeners an inside look at how dispatch and drivers work together as a team to build successful, family-supporting careers in trucking.Key topics in today’s conversation include:Welcome to This Week’s Episode And Driver Appreciation Week (0:53)Highlighting Reserve Louisiana Terminal And Jeremy’s Early Story There (4:23)Dillon’s Background, Family, And Path From Shop To Dispatch (6:03)Matt’s Background, Time In the Shop, And Move Into Local Dispatch (9:58)Lessons Learned Moving From Construction To Fast-Paced Dispatch Work (13:00)What Makes an Owner-Operator of the Year And Qualities That Stand Out (17:30)Reviewing Settlements, Driver Income Goals, And Handling Slow Weeks (20:12)Hours Of Service, Driver Clocks, And Planning Loads Around Time Limits (26:30)Opportunities Around Reserve Terminal And Need For More Owner Operators (30:45)Showing Drivers As Normal Hardworking Neighbors (33:25)Possible Upgrades To Driver Showers And Making Terminal More Comfortable (35:09)High Standards For Oakley Owner Operators (37:30)Comparing Oakley Trucks To Other Carriers And Attracting Potential Recruits (39:02)Closing Thoughts and Appreciation For Drivers (40:41)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with long-time shop foreman Toby Bishop to unpack how Oakley’s shop operations are evolving to better serve owner-operators. They cover the design and opening of the new West Shop, the full remodel of the East Shop, and planned upgrades to the wash bay, including floor and lighting improvements. Toby explains Oakley’s work-release and reentry programs with the state of Arkansas, highlighting how they give incarcerated individuals a real second chance and help them become strong employees. A major focus is the upcoming fleet-wide tire and wheel change from 11R24.5 to 22.5, why manufacturers are phasing out 24.5s, and how Oakley will manage costs, casings, and logistics during the transition. They also discuss trailer specs with MAC, strategies for keeping trailers looking sharp, and the underused capabilities of the Reserve LA terminal. The key takeaway for drivers: Oakley is investing heavily in facilities, equipment, and people to improve efficiency, safety, appearance, and long-term cost savings, and driver communication is critical to making these changes work. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Truck Show Announcement and Sponsor Shoutouts (0:12) Introducing Toby Bishop and Purpose of Shop Conversation (4:34) New West Shop Overview and Design Goals (7:47) Ventilation Challenges, Storage Additions, and Morale Boost (10:31) How the Old East Shop Was Emptied and Fully Remodeled (13:34) Repurposed Brick Sign From Original Office Building (21:32) How Oakley’s Work Release Program With Arkansas Works (25:51) Wash Bay Layout and Purpose of the Third Express Bay (31:20) Why Drivers Can’t Just Wash Anything and City Sampling Rules (32:39) Illumiclear Clear Coat Failing on Tanks and Removal Plan (39:41) Why Oakley Is Changing From 11R24.5 to 22.5 Tires (41:23) Dollars per Tire, Wheel, and Mount Adding Up Across Fleet (48:42) Ground Clearance Loss Going to 22.5 and Low Pro Risks (52:17) Tank Trailer Spec Changes to Reduce Valves and Components (56:12) Reserve Terminal Capabilities in Shop and Wash Bays (1:00:37) Idea of a Ready Yard for Trailers and Dispatch Benefits (1:02:17) Growing Pains, Space Limits, and Future Shop Expansion (1:03:57) Parting Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up (1:06:27) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.